On the 12/15/11 edition of “The Diane Rehm Show” on National Public Radio affiliate WAMU-Washington, DC, National Center adjunct fellow Horace Cooper points out the increasing importance of cell phones in everyday life and how a federal recommendation that states make cell phone use while driving illegal is disrespectful to peoples’ needs, the perception of their ability to handle dual tasks and their safety.

Later, Horace discusses the dangers and detriments of automatically disablising cell phones through ignition-sensitive jamming technology. NTSB director Deborah Hersman, another member of the discussion and the head of the federal agency suggesting the state-level prohibitions, tritely claims she no longer uses here cell phone while commuting.